Here are the lists that my nutritionist gave to me for the different stages of eating after having surgery. The moderator may want to make this thread a sticky for those who don't get defined lists, as I've noticed a lot of questions about this topic in the past.

*STAGE 1 - liquids

START: When you return home from your surgery

DURATION: For 2 weeks post surgery, or until your next dietitian appointment.

DIET: Clear and full liquids

GOAL: Aim for at least 64 ounces of Fluid for the day by continuous sipping.

LIQUIDS RECOMMENDED:

Water

100% fruit juice (No sugar added)

Bouillon

Strained Soups or broths

Skim or 1% milk

Soy milk

Milk shakes - thinned

Gatorade or equivalent sports drink

Yogurt smoothie drinks - not including homemade

Crystal Light

sugar free beverages

Herbal or decaffeinated tea or coffee

Popsicles (Pedialyte)

LIQUIDS TO AVOID:

Citrus juices (orange, grapefruit, pineapple)

Acidic liquids (tomato juice, tomato Soup, buttermilk)

Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea)

Carbonated beverages (any soda pop, seltzer, or tonic water)

Homemade fruit or yogurt smoothies

Anything that seems liquid but is not (Jello, yogurt, pudding, ice cream) *Do pour test*

*STAGE 2 - MUSHIES

START: 2 weeks post surgery

DURATION: Up to 2 weeks post liquid stage

DIET: Soft food

GOAL: Aim for a meal capacity of about 1 cup (8 ounces) for 3 meals per day. Aim for fluid intake of 48-64 ounces per day.

FOODS RECOMMENDED:

Milk (skim or 1% only)

Cottage cheese

eggs (poached, scrambled or soft boiled)

Blended cream soups

Yogurt

Low Fat Cheese - unmelted

Peanut Butter

Tofu (silken only)

Pudding

Applesauce or other fruit sauces

Canned fruits

Mashed potatoes

Cream of Wheat or oatmeal (diluted with milk)

*STAGE 3 - SEMI SOLIDS

START: 4 weeks post surgery

DURATION: 2 weeks post mushies stage

DIET: Semi-solid food

GOAL: Aim for a meal capacity of about 1 cup (8 ounces) for 3 meals per day. Aim for fluid intake of 48-64 ounces per day.

FOOD RECOMMENDED:

Deli cuts of meat

Canned flake meats such as tuna or chicken

Ground meats like ground beef or ground turkey

Beans

Tofu

Baked fish or crab meat

Pasta, rice, and corn

Fresh fruit - eliminate skins

Cooked vegetables - avoid celery, asparagus or broccoli stalks

Low Fat melted cheese

FOODS TO AVOID FOR MUSHIES & SEMI SOLID STAGES:

Caloric beverages - sweetened tea, soda, lemonade, juices

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, & smoothies

Regular Jello

Dry solids like breads, cereals, crackers, high Fiber foods

*STAGE 4 - SOLIDS

RECOMMENDED FOODS & SERVING SIZES:

Protein GROUP:

1 ounce lean meat, poultry or fish

1/4 cup yogurt

1/4 cup pudding

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1 egg, 2 egg whites

1/4 cup egg substitute

1 tbsp. peanut butter

1 ounce tofu

1 ounce cheese

1/4 cup canned flake meat

1 slice deli meat

2 tbsp. grated cheese

1/4 cup shredded cheese

1/2 cup beans

1/4 cup hommus

GRAIN GROUP:

1/2 slice toast

1/4 bagel or english muffin

1/2 cup Cereal (cooked or dry)

1/2 cup broth-type soup

1 oblong graham cracker

1/4 cup rice, pasta, or potato

1/2 small baked potato

1/4 cup corn

4 crackers

FRUIT GROUP:

1/4 cup canned fruit (in its own juices)

1/4 cup grapes

1/2 piece fresh fruit

1 tsp. jelly or jam

1/4 cup dry fruit

VEGETABLE GROUP:

1/2 cup cooked vegetables

1 cup raw vegetables

1/2 cup tomato juice

1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa

OTHERS GROUP:

1 tsp. oil, butter, or margarine

1 tsp. mayonnaise

1 tbsp. Miracle Whip

1 tbsp. sour cream or cream cheese

1 tbsp. salad dressing

2 tbsp. guacamole

4-6 almonds, cashews, or pecans

1 ounce cheese

2 tsp. peanut butter

1 tbsp. tahini

1/4 cup Cool-Whip

1 tsp. sugar, honey, or syrup

COMBINATION FOODS:

1 or 1 1/2 cup per meal

1/2 cup per snack

CORE PLAN:

BREAKFAST:

1-2 Proteins

1 fruit

2 grains

1 other

LUNCH:

2-3 proteins

1 vegetable

2 grains

1 other

SNACK:

1 fruit

1 protein

DINNER:

2-3 proteins

1-2 vegetables

2 grains

1 other

SNACK:

1 vegetable

1 grain

I hope that this helps those who are researching getting the band, with knowing what your eating habbits will be like after surgery. I also hope that this will help those who are never given a clear eating plan after surgery too.

Please know that this is just the plan that was given to me, and I do not expect all bandsters to follow this plan. It is simply a guidline for those who need one/are not given one.

Please remember to follow exactly what your surgeon/nutritionist says, even if it is different than this list.

Pat, check with Leatha. I think she had some fruit flavored protein powder (mixed w/water?). Have you tried the premixed Atkins canned drinks? They're pretty good and convenient. A can has 20 grams of protein. You only need to get in 60 grams a day. When I do the unflavored protein powder, I use fat-free milk, and add fruit (fresh banana, frozen strawberries, blueberries, and/or peaches, etc.). Just don't put in too much fruit or it gets too thick (and too hard for a new bandster to drink). Hood's Low Carb comes in a delicious chocolate flavor and is ready-mixed.

Pat,

I agree with Marie. Hood's has some awesome stuff. I also had some Dannon Light & Fit and loved them a lot too!!!!! I tried Nouriche, but didn't like the flavor of those, although you may.

My doc said no homemade smoothies or shakes, but every doc is different. Keep up the great work!!!

P.S. I saw those bullet things on TV too and wanted one!!! Don't they look awesome!!!

Each doctor has his own diet to follow. It is strange how each one is different. I was told I could have coffee, in fact they even served it to me in the hospital. I would suggest that each of you follow your own doctors rules.

Hey Kelly Girl,

We had our company Christmas party last night, and the guys that work for me gave me "the bullet", I'll let you know how it works after I try it.

Jack,

I added all of the solid stage info to the list today. I agree with Betty though. You should definately follow whatever your surgeon tells you, even if it is different than my list. I posted this for a reference/guidline purpose only, and recommed that everyone follow their doctor's orders.

Good luck with your surgery tomorrow!!! ~Kelly

Could we make this sticky please? Or if not, can we have a new thread with the types of foods that belong in each catagory that is a sticky? I think the list that Dylansmom posted is great, and very important for those of us who are either not yet banded, or are recentlly banded. I also understand that some people consider Jello clear liquid and others do not.

Also, how do you get your Protein in when on Clear liquids? Or is this not a consideration at this point?

This thread is a sticky now. I did add "Suggestions" to the title because it's an excellent list - especially since there seem to be several Bandsters that aren't given a guideline to go by. But if your band surgeon has given you specific rules, please follow them carefully.

HI,

My dr. and nutrionist told me that lite jllo was a good source of protien and to start eating it from day three on but to make certain that I liquify it in my mouth before swollowing. When I learned that I had to take vitamins, calicum and B12 I found liquid vitamins and B12 thin strips which made taking these supplements much easier that the calcium. Hope this isi helpful.

So there are no more salads? I love salad!!!!!!!!!

Bumping for Navymom

bumping for I am Canadian.

bumping for newbies.

These are suggestions. Please follow your surgeon's post-op rules.

To Dylansmom, thank you for the great advice on food suggestions. I just got off the liquids, and started pureed for lunch. Had surgery 3/22/05. Any other food ideas to puree? I have the Magic Blender, and I love it.

Roseann

Bumping for newbies

Hello all, It is great to find a place that I can get info without bothering my Dr. everyday with nervous questions. I'm being banded by Dr. Ortiz in 1 week and am very excited but getting a little nervous. I've been reading all your postings regarding food and what to eat and not to eat. I'm worried that I will not have the will power to stay away from food for 1 month and certain food forever. If I was able to do that then I wouldn't need the band. My friend had gastric bypass and she eats whatever she wants but just a lot less. Everything I've read says that the band is a much better option but it seems so restrictive. My only concern is that my personality doesn't like to hear "You can't do something". Heeee Heeee My question is regarding cravings. I can't even imagine not eating for a month. I'm also sad with the thought of giving up beer. I'm not a big drinker but I travel to Mexico a lot and the thought of never sitting on the beach with a Carona is kind of sad. Hopefully the 2 piece bathing suit I will fit into will help. I can really use some encouragement right now.

Windy